Loratadine (
Claritin®) is an antihistamine product that is now available without a prescription. While most people use
loratadine for allergies (to relieve common
allergy symptoms), the medication can also be used to treat itching due to hives.
Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms; it is also responsible for the formation of hives. By blocking the effects of histamine, this medication can help alleviate itching due to hives and relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes associated with
allergies.
You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking loratadine for allergies or hives if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or any allergies (including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives).
(Click Loratadine to learn more about the effects of loratadine, to find out what forms and strengths are available for this medication, and for a list of potential side effects that may occur with the use of this product.)
